Times Square Casino Proposal Divides New York Theater Workers
A proposed casino in Times Square is causing a rift among New York theater performers.
Times Square casino project divides theater workers.
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The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) New York Theater Locals has joined forces with the No Times Square Casino Coalition, but not all actors are on the same page. IATSE, which includes the Broadway League and other groups, is firmly against the casino plan. The No Times Square Casino Coalition argues that the theater district is the worst possible location for a casino. They believe other proposals for the limited New York casino licenses offer better alternatives that wouldn’t disrupt this historic area.
Several IATSE locals recently rallied against the proposed casino to make sure their growing concerns were heard. In a statement, the organization argued that placing a casino near Broadway would be a poor decision, offering no significant economic benefits and potentially worsening issues like traffic congestion.
Casinos are self-contained and are designed to keep patrons inside for as long as possible. Meanwhile, our iconic theater district and Broadway are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The planned casino, a collaboration between Caesars, SL Green, and Roc Nation, the entertainment company owned by Jay-Z, is set to be located at 1515 Broadway, right in Times Square. However, a poll funded by the No Times Square Casino Coalition showed that 71% of locals are against the development.
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Not All Actors Are against the Casino
Despite the concerns, some theater industry groups support the casino project. The Actors’ Equity Association backs the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square, believing that SL Green and other stakeholders will enhance the area’s appeal and bring lasting economic benefits by working with the community.
Brett Herschenfeld, Executive VP at SL Green, pointed out that the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, another major Broadway group, also supports the project. He mentioned that the casino would create significant job opportunities, particularly in construction. Herschenfeld is optimistic that the new venue has the potential to strengthen the theater industry through ongoing joint projects.
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